News Release

Monday, July 21, 2008

Suspects Arrested in the Unprovoked Attack and Stabbing of an Off-Duty LAPD Police Officer

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police detained and arrested two suspects in the unprovoked attack and stabbing of an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Police Officer in front of the Crimsin Bar, 345 West 6th Street in San Pedro.

On July 18, 2008, during the early evening hours, an off-duty police officer was attending a birthday celebration for an acquaintance inside the Crimsin Bar. At 11:00 pm, bar security personnel refused entry to Kareem Valdez and another male due to prior inappropriate conduct inside the pub. This led to a heated argument between Valdez and a member of the security team at the front door of the bar. Valdez left angry and returned with his friends, Abel Ulloa and another male.

The off-duty police officer, who had walked outside to the front of the bar to smoke a cigarette, was unaware of the earlier confrontation. Valdez returned with two friends intending to enter the bar. There was another verbal argument between security and Valdez which quickly turned into a pushing and shoving match with the security member. As Valdez walked passed the off-duty police officer, Valdez turned back towards him and punched him alongside his face and head. Ulloa and another male joined the fight, while security team members and bar employees went outside to the aid of the off-duty police officer. As Valdez, Ulloa and the other male were separated from the victim and the security member, Ulloa approached the victim and stabbed him in the abdomen. Valdez, Ulloa and the third male suspect walked away from the location.

The proprietor of the Crimsin Bar came to the victim's aid. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital. A quick response by Harbor Area patrol officers and help from witnesses at scene resulted in two of the three suspects being taking into custody at a nearby bar.

Detectives assigned to the Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section II, arrested and booked Kareem Valdez, 21 years old and Abel Ulloa, Jr., 28 years old, for Attempt Murder on a Police Officer. Valdez and Ulloa, Jr. were booked at Los Angeles Police Department's Jail Division and each are being held on $1,000,000.00 bail. The third male with Valdez and Ulloa remains outstanding pending further investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section, Detectives Susan Antenucci or Chuck Knoll, at 213-485-2531. On weekends and during off-hours, calls may be directed to the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).